BOWIE (KFDX/KJTL) – After a school board meeting, the Bowie Independent School District will allow students to transfer to neighboring school districts.
At the Bowie ISD school board meeting on Monday, Feb. 16, parents voiced their opinions on the state of the district, citing concerns ranging from district performance to student safety. Parents said they had to withdraw their children from Bowie schools altogether because of their concerns.
Parents have the right to decide whether their children want to attend one of the four neighboring districts, regardless of where they live. If accepted by that school, the bus will go to Bowie to pick up the child.
The board had previously said they would no longer allow buses from other districts to travel in Bowie’s district, sparking public outcry at Monday’s school board meeting.
Texas Top 10 Most Wanted Criminals Arrested in Bowie
The meeting was packed, with many parents sharing their reasons for removing their children from the district.
Among the biggest concerns raised was bullying, and Bowie parent Michelle Parker expressed her frustration in the public comment section of the meeting.
“My daughter was being abused on a daily basis [basis]And teachers, principals, principals did not listen. I was going to them. I was talking to them. I was making a phone call. I was an active parent, and they didn’t listen,” Parker said. “They didn’t listen to a word I said. My daughter was literally dragged down the bleachers by her hoodie, and the only excuse I had was that the boys were bored.”
After Parker tried to get board members to resolve the issue and felt ignored, she realized the only option was to transfer her child’s school. She said that after talking to other families, she learned that her experience was not alone.
“We choose to take our kids somewhere because we as parents want what’s best for our kids. They don’t address what’s important to our kids. They don’t address the bullying that’s going on in the schools,” Parker said. “We parents who have gone up the ladder to try to address this have been completely ignored. They don’t listen.”
Ben Franklin Elementary Plan Centennial Celebration Program
After hearing public comments, the board voted to enter into interlocal busing agreements with four surrounding school districts, continuing to allow those districts to voluntarily accept students from the Bowie area who enroll elsewhere.
“I was elected to take care of the needs of every student. I understand that in today’s society, parents have the right to send their children wherever they want, and I respect that,” said Bowie ISD Board Member Jeff Jackson. “However, once a student chooses to attend another school, I as a trustee, and we as a board, have no obligation to them. Our obligation is to the students who want to attend the Bowie schools.”
District leaders said they acknowledge parents’ concerns and that improving the student experience is a priority.
Goldberg, Montague, Forestburg and Bellevue ISD are among the districts included in the agreement. The details of the interlocal agreement are yet to be finalised.
You can now stream KFDX and Texoma’s FOX live 24/7 on your smart TV With KFDX+, Our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite required –Watch anytime, for free. Download it to your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For breaking news, weather, sports, and streaming video, visit Texomashomepage.com.
